Gonarezhou Self-Catering Accommodation

Our Mananga Camps are a unique blend of local Shangaan Culture and modern luxuries, designed to be unique, comfortable and low impact. Named Mananga by the ladies who built them and meaning “a place in the wilderness”, the camps are designed to bring together three critical elements of conservation – communities, sustainability and tourism. The camps are made almost entirely by hand using recycled and natural materials and are rebuilt each year by a team of skilled artisans from the local communities around Gonarezhou. Containing almost no cement, no landscaping and built into their natural environment, the camps have an extremely light footprint and would all but disappear without the regular attention of the Mananga ladies, recruited and trained by GCT, who manage and maintain the camps.

Our Manangas are the perfect blend between the comfort of a chalet and the adventure of camping, giving you the luxuries of a hot “bush” (bucket) shower, a comfortable king-size bed and the raw experience of an open campfire under the stars in the central boma area. Each of the two Mananga Camps in the Park is designed similar to a traditional safari camp, but are booked exclusively, with four-bedroom units and a central kitchen/dining/boma area.

Our Masasani Mananga was the first “prototype” of the Mananga Camps in Gonarezhou. Developed at the old Masasanya Camp at the Masasanya Dam, just 15 minutes from the main Chipinda Pools gate, the Masasani Mananga provides a first-class wildlife experience. The camp is completely unfenced.

Mathuli Mananga is framed by the towering trees that famously grow along the Mwenezi River. Built by local Shangaan artisans and informed by traditional cultural design shapes, colours, textures and approaches, Mathuli has specialness to it- its exclusivity and the feeling of being all on your own.

Gonarezhou’s Tended Camps are a combination of camping and staying in luxury. There are two tented camps- Chipinda Pools Tented Camp and Chipale Tented Camp. Both camps offer a luxurious developed camping experience overlooking the Runde River. The river is set just below the camp and fishermen may purchase a fishing license upon entry, allowing them to fish in front of the camp (without disturbing other guests).

Swimuwini Lodges overlooks the epic sweep of the Mwenezi River, fondly known as Buffalo Bend. Swimuwini in the local dialect means “place of the Baobabs”, the place offers a touch of modern luxury in the wild. Swimuwini lodges offer a unique experience for your Gonarezhou adventure, exploring the incredible landscape that surrounds the lodge.

It is the only place in the Park where we have constructed lodges comfortably appointed. The Swimuwini chalets are fully contained and serviced, self-catering units found in the southern section of the Park, making them an ideal accommodation for those who are not fully kitted out with camping equipment or those who wish for a comfortable landing after a long drive. Some units are wheelchair friendly.

There are 8 lodges in total- 6 x 2 bedrooms and 2 x 1 bedroom.